The Summit

Last Sunday between services the Visioning Committee made its first presentation to a good number of Alpiners to begin a process of thinking about the future of Alpine Lutheran Church.  It began with a short Bible study and a reminder of our Mission Statement: “We strive to be a community-minded church, focusing on spiritual and life needs.” Members were asked to reflect on this statement in anticipation of any changes, and to begin thinking about the direction we want our church to take in the coming years.

People were also asked to share how the congregation has been a blessing to them over the years.  Person after person spoke of the many ways the people – our fellow church members – have often been as important as family to them.  Several spoke of the life-long friendships they’ve made through the church.  And, of course, their spiritual life has revolved around the church thru the years.

What we must begin to emphasize, however, is our outreach to those who haven’t discovered our church yet, but who would benefit from being part of our fellowship. Every one of us knows somebody who is not affiliated with a church, be it a family member, friend, or neighbor.  All it takes is a kind invitation and follow up (“I’ll pick you up at 7:45”; or, “I’ll meet you in the lobby at 10:15”).

This same seminar will be repeated for those who were not present at the first meeting at 9:30 on Sundays, March 18 and 25.  All members are expected to attend one of these meetings.  During April forum #2 will take place, and during May we’ll have forum #3.  Again, you will have three opportunities to choose from to attend.  Please take seriously your invitation to participate.  THANKS!

Thought for the week: Optimism is a powerful tool. When we create a vibrant image of good things surrounding us, it is much more likely that our reality will follow suit. Think good thoughts.

Those Who Serve for Mar. 11^th

Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson

(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy

Ambassadors: (8:00) Allen & Deb Geeser, Volunteers

(10:30) Larry & Nancy Matthews, Eric & LeAnn Peterson

Elements: (8:00) Jack & Carla Phillips (10:30) Tom & Deb Detzner

Acolytes: (8:00) Brianna Geeser (10:30) Tanner LaFew

Lectors: (8:00) Roger Bastian (10:30) John Fridh

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Roger Bastian, Rebecca Geeser (10:30) John & Nancy Fridh

Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie

Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Jan Hill

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

The above title is the theme of the Congregational Resourcing Event sponsored by our synod at Kishwaukee College on Saturday, March 10.  This annual event draws several hundred people from around northern Illinois to gain inspiration and learn of resources for many different areas that build up churches. It is geared for pastors and lay leaders to share what is helpful and working well in our churches, so that others may benefit from these positive experiences.

If you are on church council or on a committee, or if you are active in some area of church life and would like to expand your knowledge, I would like for you to consider going with us. The keynote speaker is Pastor Jeff Marion, formerly of Rockford and now pastor of an ELCA megachurch in Minnesota. Then there are over 50 workshops to choose from for the three break-out sessions that follow.  Every committee or ministry will be represented in some way to give helpful suggestions about the building up of that part of church life.  I will be offering one session on the Malaria campaign we’re doing in the ELCA, for example.  But mission, stewardship, outreach, etc., will all be well-represented.

If you are active in the life of the congregation and would like to attend this event, please speak to me on Sunday so that I can register us together.  The church will pay for you.  The time commitment is approximately 8 AM to 4 PM, including travel, and we will try to go as a group.  Hopefully we’ll have a couple carloads of Alpiners attending, like we usually do.

Thought for the week: “You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.” ~ Charles C. Noble ~

Those Who Serve for Mar. 4^th

Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Andrea Tack, Don Torgerson

(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Tom Funk

Ambassadors: (8:00) Don & Judy Gugliemetti, Les & Carol Johnson

(10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead, John Linde, David Linde

Elements: (8:00) David & Laura DeNale (10:30) Mike & Marlene Bukowski

Acolytes: (8:00) Nicholas Chockalingam (10:30) Brandon Williams

Lectors: (8:00) Bob McVinnie (10:30) Orv Kersten

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Bob McVinnie, Rachel Cooley (10:30) Maribeth Gillette, Karen Conti

Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens

Praise Singers: Tina Howe, Nancy Broquist

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

One of the most important times of year for many Christians, including us Lutherans, is LENT. This is the 40-day journey that precedes Easter, in which we are invited to consider the sacrifices of Jesus for our sakes, and reflect on our commitment to the Christian life that we are called to.  There are disciplines in Lent that help us with this journey:

Prayer: We give every family a special devotional booklet to read each day.  This one is called, “From Death to Life,” by Dr. Rich Bimler.  We encourage you to read and share it with your family for an enriching way to observe the season.

Fasting: This discipline challenges us to give up a meal and spend some time in  reflection about our relationship with God.  Even if we just modify our diet, or “give something up” for Lent, we can make a special offering to a hunger-related ministry at Easter, such as the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

Worship: In addition to Sunday worship, during the Lenten season we also have worship services on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 during Lent, preceded by soup suppers at 6:00. Our liturgy will be the Holden Evening Prayer, but we will also feature special ministries that we want to learn about and support:  Feb. 29, the ELCA Malaria Campaign; March 7, Love, Inc.; March 14, the Rockford Rescue Mission; March 21, Kids Around the World; and March 28, Rockford Reach-out Jail Ministry.  Please try to attend as many of these services as you can.  They will help you make a sacrificial Lenten journey in preparation for Resurrection.

May you take seriously and make good use of your Lenten journey.  I hope to see you frequently throughout this very special season!

Thought for the week:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”

~ Erma Bombeck ~

Those Who Serve for Feb. 26^th

Ushers: (8:00) Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson

(10:30) Jim Burnett, Martha Carlson, Bob Fanello, David McCue

Ambassadors: (8:00) Alan & Marlene Garrett, Kathy Mund, Eugene Mund

(10:30) DiAnne Beynon,  Louise Dorris, Jeff & Jenny Schiess

Elements: (8:00) Kathy Mund, Eugene Mund (10:30) Pam Hodges, Kyle Davison

Acolytes: (8:00) Katy Damken (10:30) Samantha Gustafson

Lectors: (8:00) Cally Damken (10:30) Terry Hodges

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Cally Damken, Rollin Greenland (10:30) Terry Hodges, Craig Shelton

Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks

Praise Singers: Chuck & Lynn Valentine

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE.

The Epiphany season in the church ends this Sunday on a high note, as Jesus is “transfigured” (changed bright as light) on the mountain-top in the presence of his three closest disciples. Scripture says two Old Testament heroes, Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the Prophets) were seen with him. This was certainly a mountain-top experience for the privileged few disciples, but they could not stay there. Their mission was to preach the Gospel in the real world, in the valleys, so to speak, where people lived and worked.

We, too, may look for mountain-top experiences to rejuvenate our faith. These might include a spiritual retreat, a church camp, or a service project.  But we can’t stay on the mountain.  We’re called back into the “real world” of daily living, where exemplifying our faith is most important and necessary.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, we begin our Lenten journey again with Ash Wed. services at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. We’re reminded of our mortality and our need for God.  It is a time of repentance, reflection, and sacrifice.  We gather more frequently for worship, and we contribute as we are able to special needs in our community.  During the Wednesday evenings of Lent, starting Feb. 29, we’ll gather for a soup supper at 6:00 and worship at 7:00.  Again we’ll use the popular Holden Evening Prayer service, and also learn about special ministries that we want to support.  At present those scheduled or invited are: the ELCA Malaria Initiative, Love in the Name of Christ, the Rockford Rescue Mission, Kids Around the World, and Rockford Reach-out Jail Ministry.  We are all invited to observe the 40 days of Lent as a spiritual exercise to help build up the Kingdom.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”

~ Helen Keller ~

Those Who Serve for Feb. 19^th

Ushers: (8:00) Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Volunteer

(10:30) Russ Hornbeck, John McCue, Dick Nelson, Mike Schultz

Ambassadors: (8:00) Lee & Jane Karlberg, Karl & Deb Okeson

(10:30) Bob & Chris Deuel, Craig & Barb Shelton

Elements: (8:00) David & Laura DeNale (10:30) Bob & Chris Deuel

Acolytes: (8:00) Conlan Pottinger (10:30) Jacob Greeny

Lectors: (8:00) Becky Toro (10:30) Terry Hodges

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Alan Garrett, Sid Robinson (10:30) Lori Fanello, Terry Hodges

Altar Guild: Kathy Mund, Cary Ralston

Praise Singers: John & Cary Ralston

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

VISION/MISSION COMMITTEE LETTER REFERED TO IN SUMMIT

LINK TO ARTICLE FROM THE LUTHERAN MAGAZINE

Although we made our congregation’s annual report available even to those who didn’t attend the annual meeting, I can’t assume that everybody read it.  Therefore, I would like to highlight a few things from the report submitted.

1. This is our 70^th year as a congregation.  I would like for a few volunteers with a history here to step up and plan a few anniversary related activities. (The church started on “the edge of town” in a school at State & Alpine!)
2. This is my 40^th year in ordained ministry, the last 16 at Alpine.  During this time we have trained and mentored 10 interns (vicars) who are now serving God all over the country (world).   We also have two Alpiners in seminary.
3. Because of births in the congregation not keeping up with deaths, and since some in our fellowship departed after an ELCA decision in 2009, our average worship attendance has slipped to 202 from a high a few years ago of 242.
4. My five years of service on the Northern Illinois Synod Council will come to an end in
   June.  However, I have agreed to help lead an effort to raise aware- ness and funding for our ELCA’s Malaria Initiative, which hopes to raise an additional $15 million over the next few
   years to control its effect.  Malaria kills a child in Africa every 45 seconds, even though it is preventable.
5. Our Alpine Academy will be hiring a new principal soon.  My priority is that it be a person who will also connect well with our church. Good news awaits!
6. I must determine an accurate recording of membership in our congregation, since we report many more members than we actually have at present.

Thought for the week: “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~ Charles Dudley Warner ~

Those Who Serve for Feb. 12^th

Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson

(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy

Ambassadors: (8:00) Matt & Debbie Hier, Volunteers

(10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead, Larry & Nancy Matthews

Elements: (8:00) Matt & Debbie Hier (10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead

Acolytes: (8:00) Brianna Geeser (10:30) Brett Williams

Lectors: (8:00) Lynn Valentine (10:30) Collin Gillette

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Chuck & Lynn Valentine (10:30) Holly & Renee Stohle

Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie

Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Bob McVinnie

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

Scout Sunday at Worship on Feb. 5

If you were in church last Sunday you saw a fine representation of the children and youth of Alpine as they took part in every aspect of the service, then served the meal before the annual meeting.  We were very proud of them, and are pleased to see their faith development.  Now this Sunday we affirm one of our youth-related ministries as we celebrate our relationship with Boy Scout Troop 57 and Cub Scout Troop 157, which we have sponsored for many years.  Also, because it is Super Bowl Sunday, our work-campers will be offering sub sandwiches for sale at a reasonable price as a fund-raiser for 2012 work camp.

As I stated during the announcements last Sunday, we need for our youth to be active in their faith and church life, because they will need to assume leadership as the older generations pass away.  Just in the few days since my return from vacation we’ve had three long-time active members of the church die.  Lucille Thoren, Steve Hemenway, and Kay Okeson were very active in the life of the congregation, but God has called them home to His Eternal Kingdom.  While we mourn their passing, we also invest promise in our young people.

Our youth ministries are varied, but each is important:  Alpine Academy school, Sunday School and VBS, TACT camp, work camp, scouting programs, Confirmation, etc.  We are especially grateful for adult leaders as well who mentor young people in the ways of the Lord and good citizenship.  Thank you!

Thought for the week: “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~

Those Who Serve for Feb. 5^th

Ushers: (8:00) Larry Graham, Michele Scott, Andrea Tack, Don Torgerson

(10:30) Scouts & DiAnne Beynon, Leroy Dokken, John Gustafson, Volunteer

Ambassadors: (8:00) Joni Graham, Lillian Hagen, Ruth Lindgren, Clara Rader (10:30) Scouts

Elements: (8:00) John & Sharryn Franks (10:30) Scouts

Acolytes: (8:00) Alex Todd (10:30) Joseph Barron

Lectors: (8:00) Roger Bastian (10:30) Scouts

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Roger Bastian, Dale Olson (10:30) Dick Nelson, Keenan Perry

Altar Guild: Gwyn Brechtel, Ardy Stevens

Praise Singers: Jan Hill, Tina Howe

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

Alpine Academy Dinner & Program, Saturday at 6 PM

Youth Sunday service at 10:00 AM,

Annual meeting of the congregation (with luncheon) at 11:30

Some dates are more important than others on the church calendar, and this is one of them.  On Saturday evening we’ll host our annual fund-raising dinner and program, with silent auction, to benefit our school, Alpine Academy.  Our program will feature dueling pianos, which should be very interesting.  While the cost is free, everyone is invited to bid on any of several items on display and contribute to the financial aid fund for students who need it.  This is the one big activity each year that includes both church and school families.

Then, on Sunday, we’ll have just one service at 10 AM.  Annually, on the last Sunday of January, we celebrate Youth Sunday, when we encourage every youth and child in the congregation to participate in some capacity to help lead worship.  The youth will also serve our luncheon to follow the service, as the congregation is summoned to the fellowship hall for the annual meeting. At the meeting we’ll elect six more council persons, hear reports from every committee, adopt a budget for 2012, and hear the pastor name the Volunteer of the Year.  If you are an Alpine member, you are expected to be there, if possible.

Thought for the week: “How often we forget it’s the ‘here and now’ that’s important. Setting our sights on our destination, planning for tomorrow, worrying about the future, rushing towards whatever’s over the next hill…phew! This causes us to neglect the beauty of the present.” ~ Anonymous ~

Those Who Serve for Jan. 29^th

Ushers: Youth

Ambassadors: Youth

Elements: Youth

Acolytes: Jordyn Turecek

Lectors: Youth

Lay Assistants: Youth

Altar Guild: Ardy Stevens

Praise Singers: Holly & Renee Stohle

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

Upon entering the church, one of the first things one sees is the wall that divides the narthex and the coat room.  It has kind of a 1970’s look, with three arches and papers with announcements hanging there.  We would like to modernize that wall and decorate it with photos and stories of our Alpine congregation to “personalize” it a little more.

Our Evangelism Committee, led by Dave DeNale, has taken up the challenge. He writes:  “We are requesting from each of the families of Alpine a 3.5 X 5 photo of you and your family, in any suitable setting you desire, accompanied with a list of what each of your personal interests, hobbies, passions and occupations are.  These will be framed and hung on the wall in the narthex.  A scale drawing of the wall and how it will look once completed is on display in the narthex.  We are doing this with the desire to bring the family of Alpine Lutheran Church closer, and to create a stronger family bond amongst one another.”

Obviously, this project depends on the cooperation of all of us.  Feel free to use any photo you wish, and include as many family members as you want, even those who are no longer living at home.  If you don’t have a photo you like, one of our church photographers can help you out some Sunday.  Once the project begins to gather momentum, we expect it will generate enthusiasm. Getting started will be the hard part.

Keep an eye on the progress of the project, which will hopefully gather steam after the first of the year.  Feel free to offer Dave any help you can render to transform the wall for the posting of the picture frames.  He can also answer your questions about it.  Changes sometimes take a while to get accustomed to, but they keep life interesting!

Thought for the week: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” ~ Helen Keller ~

Those Who Serve for Jan. 22^nd

Ushers: (8:00) Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson

(10:30) Jim Burnett, Martha Carlson, Bob Fanello, David McCue

Ambassadors: (8:00) Jack & Carla Phillips, Louise Hemenway, Nan Strom

(10:30) John & Sharryn Franks, Bob & Laurel McVinnie

Elements: (8:00) Allen & Deb Geeser (10:30) Eric & LeAnn Peterson

Acolytes: Brianna Geeser, Anna Peterson

Lectors: Craig Shelton, Terry Hodges

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Craig Shelton, Deb Okeson (10:30) Terry Hodges, Karen Conti

Altar Guild: Janet Gentry, Shirley Franks

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

There is no congregation where the pastor is not missed when he or she goes on vacation.  That’s what it is here at Alpine this week while Pastor Meier is away.  BUT, I am substituting for our pastor and want to write a few words to you…

Since my wife Nancy and I have joined Alpine after moving back to Rockford, we daily count our blessings of being a part of such a welcoming, caring, responding, and faithful congregation!  You have given us a wonderful place to be in the pew instead of in the office and pulpit!  The Lord led us to Alpine after some searching and we absolutely can say “thanks be to God”.  If you ever feel a bit down or discouraged about our congregation, just talk to us — we will tell you of our view from the pew and how great Alpine is.

With Pastor Meier away, I hope I can serve you well from the pulpit but I look forward to our pastor’s return. I can’t duplicate our pastor but I do my best for a retired guy who has mostly left the pulpit but loves to be in the pew.  And Nancy loves that Bell Choir more than you know!  Thanks for making us Alpiners!  Oh, and thanks for so many birthday wishes — they were deeply appreciated.

Pastor Larry Matthews and Nancy Matthews

Thought for the week: “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.”

~ August Rodin ~

Those Who Serve for Jan. 15^th

Ushers: (8:00) Jim Anderson, Shirley Finger, Bryan Garrett, Glen Lewis

(10:30) Russ Hornbeck, Jack Lucas, Dick Nelson, Mike Schultz

Ambassadors: (8:00) Bill & Diane Billert, Chuck & Janet Gentry

(10:30) Maribeth Gillette, Mari Hanson, Jeff & Jenny Schiess

Elements: (8:00) Chuck & Janet Gentry (10:30) Maribeth Gillette, Mari Hanson

Acolytes: Nicholas Chockalingam, Tanner LaFew

Lectors: Carla Phillips, John Fridh

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Alan Garrett, Dale Olson (10:30) John & Nancy Fridh

Altar Guild: Kathy Mund, Cary Ralston

Praise Singers: John & Cary Ralston

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE

Happy new year to all our Alpiners!  May this be a year that brings you an assortment of blessings, and may you draw closer to God than ever.  Perhaps you are in the habit of making new year’s resolutions.  If so, God bless you in your practice of them.  Invite God to help you keep them, if indeed they are worthy of maintaining.  Otherwise, good luck!

As I mentioned in my sermon on New Year’s Day, at Alpine Church we are speaking more about goals than resolutions.  We’ve asked every group and committee in the church to come up with two attainable goals for 2012 that challenge you and give you a sense of direction.  These might be vision goals that give you a good idea as to what you want to accomplish this year for the sake of the mission of the church.

My own goals, as I mentioned, are two-fold:  (1) Insure that everything is in order and running smoothly in the church and school before surrendering my pastoral leadership at the end of this year; and (2) work with a committee that still needs to be organized to lead the congregation in celebrating the 70^th anniversary of Alpine Lutheran Church.  The actual date of the founding is the first Sunday in November.  If you would be interested in serving on this committee, please communicate that to our office.

As you’ll notice when you come to worship this month, we are blessed to have a retired pastor, Larry Matthews, and two seminarians, Scott Ralston and Eric Hanson, assisting with our services.  With no intern (vicar) on staff, they are a help and a blessing to have with us when they are available.  Finally, remember that we resume our regular worship schedule this Sunday at 8:00 & 10:30, with Sunday School at 9:15.

Those
Who Serve for Jan. 8^th

Ushers: (8:00) Rick Bried, Chuck Gentry, Irv Johnson, Dale Olson

(10:30) Dean Franks, John & Sharryn Franks, Marge Rakoczy

Ambassadors: (8:00) Vince & Liz Bertolotto, Carole Rogers, Nan Strom

(10:30) DiAnne Beynon, Louise Dorris, Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead

Elements: (8:00) Ron & Jan Pauly (10:30) Diana Sundeen, Taylor Boustead

Acolytes: (8:00) TBA (10:30) TBA

Lectors: (8:00) Carla Phillips (10:30) Nancy Matthews

Lay Assistants: (8:00) Deb Okeson, Rachel Cooley (10:30) Nancy Matthews, Laurel McVinnie

Altar Guild: Michele Scott, Laurel McVinnie

Praise Singers: Jaime Gillette, Jan Hill, Bob McVinnie

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSIDE PAGE